Portrait of an officer, traditionally identified as John Sheppard (d.1785), of Castle John, Tipperary, bust-length, in profile, in uniform

The sitter has traditionally been identified as John Sheppard of Castle Sheppard, Tipperary, grandson of Captain Thomas Sheppard, who was Governor of New Ross. The sitter is shown in late 18th or early 19th century infantry officer's dress and it seems likely that he was a member of one of the many poorly documented volunteer or militia units before 1793. The facing colour of the Tipperary Militia was a pale yellow or buff with silver lace and buttons.